Hello Mentor S2 EP2 | Hong Mei - Building Your Personal Brand in Malaysia
Whether you're switching careers or starting a new venture, remember: Your personal brand is your story—own it.
By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-22 at 1:18 PM
Updated on 2024-10-22 at 2:13 PM
6 Inspiring Lessons on Building Your Personal Brand with Entrepreneur Hong Mei
With two decades of experience at global companies like Levi’s and Triumph International, Hong Mei, the founder and CEO of The Olive Tree offers invaluable insights into personal branding, career transitions, and career adaptability. In this episode, she delves into the challenges and rewards of building a personal brand that stands out. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a professional seeking growth, Hong Mei’s wisdom is a treasure trove for anyone striving for success in Malaysia’s competitive job market.
Why Personal Branding is the Future of Career Success
As the job market shifts toward digital-first interactions, personal branding has become a critical tool for professionals and entrepreneurs alike. Hong Mei's journey—from corporate life to founding The Olive Tree, a successful skincare brand—highlights how storytelling, authenticity, and adaptability can transform careers.
By establishing a personal brand that connects meaningfully with audiences, Hong Mei has leveraged her brand to unlock business opportunities and career growth. She believes that personal branding is not just a buzzword but the future of career success.
Step-by-Step Guide on Building Your Own Brand
1. Leverage Storytelling to Build Trust
“People care about the stories behind the brand," Hong Mei explains. "When they know the person behind a business, they feel more connected."
Authentic storytelling is a key part of her success. By sharing her journey as a mother and entrepreneur, she not only grew her personal brand but also built trust with potential customers and partners.
Pro Tip: Use social media to tell personal stories about your career challenges, successes, and values. Authenticity builds lasting relationships, both personally and professionally.
2. Experiment Until You Find What Works
Success rarely comes without experimentation. Hong Mei shares how trial and error on platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu helped her discover what resonates with her audience.
"I tested different content styles and formats until I found what connected best," she says.
Pro Tip: Try various formats—long videos, short reels, or even text-based posts—to see what engages your audience. Keep experimenting until you find your brand’s sweet spot. Data-driven experimentation will help you refine your personal brand strategy.
3. Build Collaborative and Meaningful Support Networks
At Olive Tree, Hong Mei prioritises collaboration and encourages an inclusive work culture.
"We treat each other as equals—no formal titles or rigid rules,” she says.
This openness fosters creativity and helps build stronger professional relationships. Hong Mei’s personal brand has not only attracted a loyal audience but also opened doors to partnerships, distributors, and collaborations.
For those looking to grow professionally, Hong Mei recommends joining communities where peer collaboration and knowledge sharing thrive.
4. Align Your Personal Brand with Ideal Career Opportunities
Your personal brand can make a real difference in your job search.
"Resumes alone don’t tell the whole story anymore," Hong Mei shares. "Recruiters and employers now want to see your real-world experiences through social media or portfolio work."
Knowing your own strengths and interests by heart can help you select roles that fit your personality, allowing you to excel in your career without compromising your values.
5. Embrace Vulnerability for Genuine Connections
Hong Mei believes that authenticity and vulnerability set personal brands apart.
"People are tired of curated, picture-perfect personas. They want real stories, including the challenges," she says.
Her willingness to share the highs and lows of entrepreneurship earned her a loyal following.
"I talk about my struggles as a business owner and a mother, and it resonates with people facing similar experiences."
Pro Tip: Share the moments of struggle as much as the successes—it fosters deeper emotional connections with your audience and builds loyalty.
6. Adapt to Change and Uncertainty
Adaptability is a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. Hong Mei’s ability to pivot during the pandemic—from offline retail to a fully digital business—illustrates the importance of embracing change.
"The faster you adapt, the more opportunities you’ll create," she advises.
Pro Tip: Whether you’re switching careers or adjusting to industry changes, staying flexible and embracing new opportunities will set you apart.
Conclusion: Your Personal Brand is Your Competitive Advantage
Building a personal brand takes time, experimentation, and authenticity. Hong Mei’s journey shows that a strong personal brand is more than just online presence—it’s a strategic asset that creates meaningful connections, drives career growth, and unlocks opportunities.
Whether you're switching careers or starting a new venture, remember: Your personal brand is your story—own it. Explore job opportunities aligned with your personal brand at my.hiredly.com/jobs!
About Hello Mentor
Hello Mentor is a podcast offering candid conversations on entrepreneurship, career growth, and ambition. Each episode features inspiring individuals who share personal experiences and actionable advice.
Catch all episodes on Spotify or YouTube for more inspiration and career guidance from industry leaders!
By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-22 at 1:18 PM